You should be able to get it from under neath witout removing any part of the front of the vehicle or grill. Try using a long screw driver. THat might just do the trick. I will try to find you some pictures.

1. remove headlight trim, headlamp bulbs, and the "basket" into which the bulb seats2. behind the headlamp basket is a bolt head facing forward, approx. 1/2 inch size head. This is one of TWO bolts that holds the hood latch striker to the radiator core support structure of the body. Remove this bolt.3. near the bolt just removed is an oval hole in the core support structure. Working through this hole, remove a bolt that faces UPWARD (head faces down) on the bottom of the upper flange of the core support. This bolt is the second bolt that attach's the striker to the core support, and is the same size as the first one removed4. repeat these steps for the other side, and then the hood should pop free with the strikers still engaged in their latches.5. replace the broken cable, lube up the bellcrank where the cable attach's under the hood, and reinstall the strikers (and their shimming washers!!) onto the core support.6. test hood for closure/latching. Adjust strikers as necessary.7. reinstall headlight components

Second way is quicker

Lay down and look up between the front of the motor and the radiator with a flashlight.

On the drivers side of the jeep. You will see the rod that connects the latches to the release, simply reach up and pull the rod towards the drivers side and the hood will unlatch. Keep the release mechanism attached to the hood lubricated and operating freely and you won't break anymore cables.

the rod you are looking for is # XXXXX in the picture this goes from left to right across the underside of the hood by the radiator there is 2 latches on the jeep hood to release

If you dont want to buy a cable to fix the broken one run a wire from the release to the grill opening.

Jim and I spent 3+ hours in a parking lot with our Jeep trying to follow your directions. After one trip back home for a ratchet set, and a second trip to AutoZone for an extension piece for the ratchet, we managed to get to the second bolt.

We lost patience when the tool couldn't quite fit on the bolt because of the angle.

Supper, rest, and a fresh start tomorrow evening should be promising.

Please look at my pictures:

The first pic shows the first bolt that we removed. It also shows where we notched out a piece of the headlight cradle so that we can get the ratchet on the second bolt.

The second image is looking up into the area above the removed first bolt. The ratchet head is currently stuck on the bolt.

The third pic indicates where the second bolt is in relationship to the first.

Based on what you see are we on the right track?

When we get the first and second bolts off on both sides of the jeep the latch will be released correct? Please say yes. lol